Flow path switching valve and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A flow path switching valve (18) is provided with: a housing body (25) having a hollow section therein; and a valve body (60) which is rotatably housed in the hollow portion and which is switched between a first posture and a second posture by a rotation operation, in which a first opening (P1), a second opening (P2), and a third opening (P3) which communicate the hollow portion with the outside of the housing body (25) are formed in the housing body (25), first recessed portions (61, 61A, 61B) are formed in the outer surface of the valve body (60), and second recessed portions (61B, 61B) are formed in the outer surface of the valve body (60). In the first posture, the first opening (P1) is connected with the second opening (P2), and in the second posture, the first opening (P1) is connected with the third opening (P3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve and a refrigeration cycle device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that switches between cooling and heating. This air conditioner includes a flow switching valve that switches the flow of refrigerant discharged from a compressor between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. The flow switching valve of Patent Document 1 includes a switching valve body that serves as a housing and a valve core that is rotatably housed within the switching valve body.

[0003] The switching valve body is provided with a first connection port for connecting the discharge side piping of the compressor, a second connection port for connecting the inlet side piping of the indoor heat exchanger, a third connection port for connecting the outlet side piping of the indoor heat exchanger, a fourth connection port for connecting the suction side piping of the compressor, a fifth connection port for connecting the outlet side piping of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a sixth connection port for connecting the inlet side piping of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0004] A plurality of communication paths are formed in the valve core, and during cooling operation, the plurality of communication paths connect the first connection port with the sixth connection port, connect the third connection port with the fourth connection port, and connect the second connection port with the fifth connection port via a throttling path. During heating operation, the first connection port is connected with the second connection port, connect the fourth connection port with the fifth connection port, and connect the third connection port with the sixth connection port via a throttling path. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-202738 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] The flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1 is formed by a plurality of communication paths penetrating the valve core. The structure of the communication paths is also relatively complex, and therefore, machining is difficult. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow path switching valve and a refrigeration cycle device that can simplify the structure of a refrigerant flow path in a valve element and facilitate processing. Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0007] (1) The flow path switching valve disclosed herein includes: a housing having a hollow portion therein; and The valve core is housed in the hollow portion in a freely rotatable manner and is switched between a first posture and a second posture by a rotation operation. A first opening, a second opening, and a third opening are formed in the storage body to connect the hollow portion with the outside of the storage body. A first recessed portion is formed on an outer surface of the valve element. The first recessed portion connects the first opening and the second opening in the first posture, and connects the first opening and the third opening in the second posture.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the valve element of the flow path switching valve is not formed with a through hole but only with a recessed portion formed by recessing the outer surface. This simplifies the refrigerant flow path and facilitates processing of the valve element.

[0009] (2) In the flow path switching valve of (1), the first opening allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor of the refrigerant circuit to flow into the storage body, A leakage portion is formed in the storage body, and the leakage portion causes the refrigerant flowing in from the first opening to leak between the inner surface of the storage body and the outer surface of the valve element.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the pressure of the refrigerant leaking from the leaking portion can be dispersedly applied to the entire valve element. Therefore, the load torque for rotating the valve element can be reduced compared to a case where the refrigerant pressure is concentrated on a specific portion of the valve element.

[0011] (3) The flow path switching valve of (1) or (2) further includes a regulating portion that regulates the pressing force of the outer surface of the valve element against the inner surface of the housing around the first to third openings.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the load torque for rotating the valve element can be appropriately adjusted.

[0013] (4) In the flow path switching valve of (3), the adjustment portion includes a pressing body that presses the valve element toward the inner surface of the housing by being threadedly engaged with the housing.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the pressing force of the outer surface of the valve element against the inner surface of the housing can be easily adjusted by screwing the pressing body into the housing.

[0015] (5) In the flow path switching valve according to any one of (1) to (4), a fourth opening is formed in the housing, and the fourth opening connects the hollow portion with the outside of the housing. A second recess is formed on an outer surface of the valve element. The second recess connects the third opening and the fourth opening in the first posture, and connects the second opening and the fourth opening in the second posture.

[0016] According to the above configuration, even in the flow path switching valve in which the first to fourth openings are formed, the flow path of the refrigerant can be simplified and the processing of the valve element can be facilitated.

[0017] (6) In the flow path switching valve according to (5), the first to fourth openings are arranged within a projection area of ​​the valve element in one direction.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the first to fourth openings are concentratedly arranged in a small area. Therefore, the first and second recesses of the valve body connecting them can be made smaller, thereby making it easier to process the valve body.

[0019] (7) In the flow path switching valve of (5) or (6), the first recessed portion for connecting the first opening and the second opening in the first posture and the first recessed portion for connecting the first opening and the third opening in the second posture are separately formed in the valve element. The second recessed portion that communicates the third opening with the fourth opening in the first posture and the second recessed portion that communicates the second opening with the fourth opening in the second posture are separately formed in the valve element.

[0020] According to the above configuration, four openings can be switchably connected using the two first recesses and the two second recesses.

[0021] (8) In the flow path switching valve of (7), in the first posture, the first recessed portion that connects the first opening and the second opening and the second recessed portion that connects the third opening and the fourth opening are formed to be longer in directions parallel to each other. In the second posture, the other first recess connecting the first opening and the third opening and the other second recess connecting the second opening and the fourth opening are parallel to each other and are formed longer in a direction perpendicular to the first recess and the second recess.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the two first recesses and the two second recesses can be formed within a relatively small range on the surface area of ​​the valve body, thereby reducing the rotation angle of the valve body for switching the flow path.

[0023] (9) The flow path switching valve according to any one of (5) to (8) includes: a first piping portion, one end of the first piping portion being connected to a discharge pipe through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor of a refrigerant circuit flows, and the other end of the first piping portion being in communication with the first opening; a second piping portion, one end of the second piping portion being connected to a refrigerant pipe for supplying refrigerant to the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit, and the other end of the second piping portion being in communication with the second opening; a third piping portion having one end connected to a refrigerant pipe for supplying refrigerant to the second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit and the other end communicating with the third opening; and a fourth piping portion, one end of which is connected to a suction pipe through which the refrigerant sucked into the compressor flows, and the other end of which is communicated with the fourth opening; The first to fourth piping portions are formed integrally with the storage body.

[0024] According to the above configuration, by integrally forming the first to fourth piping portions in the housing of the flow path switching valve, it is possible to simplify the work of connecting the refrigerant piping to each piping portion, thereby improving the assembly workability of the refrigerant circuit.

[0025] (10) The flow path switching valve described in any one of (1) to (9) preferably further includes: a driving unit that generates a rotational power for rotating the valve core; and a speed reduction unit that reduces the rotational power of the driving unit.

[0026] The above structure increases the torque output to the valve core through the deceleration unit. Therefore, even when the valve core is pressed strongly against the inner surface of the housing, for example to prevent leakage of high-pressure refrigerant, the valve core can still be rotated. The above structure increases the torque output to the valve core through the deceleration unit, thereby correspondingly reducing the output of the drive unit and miniaturizing the drive unit.

[0027] (11) In the flow path switching valve according to any one of (1) to (10), preferably, the housing includes an elastic member having the opening formed therein and in contact with an outer surface of the valve element.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the elastic member can be brought into elastic close contact with the outer surface of the valve element, thereby suppressing leakage of the refrigerant.

[0029] (12) The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure includes the flow path switching valve according to any one of (1) to (11). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 5It is a three-dimensional diagram of the valve core. Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining switching of the refrigerant flow path. Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining switching of the refrigerant flow path. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of the refrigerant in the flow path switching valve. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first liner. Figure 10 This is a diagram for explaining switching of refrigerant flow paths in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining switching of refrigerant flow paths in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a valve element of a flow path switching valve according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including a flow path switching valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 15 It is a perspective view of a valve element of a flow path switching valve according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration cycle device 10 includes a refrigerant circuit 30 that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration cycle device 10 of this embodiment is an air conditioner. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 10 includes an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11 and an indoor unit (heat utilization unit) 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by connecting pipes 13 and 14, respectively. The outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 12, and the connecting pipes 13 and 14 form a refrigerant circuit 30. The refrigeration cycle device 10 is not limited to an air conditioner and may also be a refrigerator, freezer, water heater, or the like.

[0032] (Refrigerant Circuit Structure) like Figure 1As shown, the outdoor unit 11 is provided with a compressor 15 constituting a refrigerant circuit 30, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source heat exchanger; second heat exchanger) 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way reversing valve (flow path switching valve) 18. The outdoor unit 11 is also provided with an outdoor fan 19. The indoor unit 12 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger (utilizing heat exchanger; first heat exchanger) 21 constituting a refrigerant circuit 30. The indoor unit 12 is also provided with an indoor fan 22.

[0033] The compressor 15 is a positive displacement compressor, such as a scroll or rotary type, and has a built-in compressor motor. The compressor 15 compresses low-pressure refrigerant drawn in through the suction pipe 52 and then discharges it through the discharge pipe 51. In the outdoor unit 11, the discharge side of the compressor 15 is connected to the first port (first opening) P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the discharge pipe 51. The suction side of the compressor 15 is connected to the fourth port P4 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the suction pipe 52.

[0034] The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is constructed of a cross-finned fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The gas-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 53. The liquid-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to one end of the expansion valve 17 via the refrigerant pipe 54.

[0035] The expansion valve 17 is, for example, an electric valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the liquid-side stop valve 23 via the refrigerant pipe 55 .

[0036] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is constructed of a cross-finned fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The liquid-side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to a liquid-side shutoff valve 23 via a liquid-side connecting pipe 14. The gas-side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to a gas-side shutoff valve 24 via a gas-side connecting pipe 13. The gas-side shutoff valve 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via a refrigerant pipe 56.

[0037] The four-way reversing valve 18 switches the flow path to the first mode ( Figure 1 The method shown by the solid line) and the second method ( Figure 1 In the first mode, the first port P1 and the third port P3 are in communication with each other, and the second port P2 and the fourth port P4 are in communication with each other. In the second mode, the first port P1 and the second port P2 are in communication with each other, and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 are in communication with each other. In the first mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. In the second mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0038] The outdoor fan 19 is disposed near the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor fan 19 is driven by a motor to rotate and blow air toward the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor fan 19, thereby evaporating or condensing.

[0039] The indoor fan 22 is disposed near the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 is driven by a motor to rotate and blow air toward the indoor heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the outdoor air blown by the indoor fan 22, thereby condensing or evaporating.

[0040] When the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation, the four-way reversing valve 18 is switched to the first mode, and when it is in heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 18 is switched to the second mode. During cooling operation, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which functions as a condenser, where it is condensed and converted into liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is decompressed in the expansion valve 17 and converted into a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which then flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air transported by the indoor fan 22, evaporates, and becomes a gas refrigerant. The air cooled by the heat exchange is supplied to the room. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and is drawn into the compressor 15.

[0041] During heating operation, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as a condenser. The gas refrigerant exchanges heat with air delivered by the indoor fan 22, condensing and turning into liquid refrigerant. The air heated by the heat exchange is supplied to the room. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed in the expansion valve 17, becoming a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which functions as an evaporator. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 16, turning into gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and is drawn into the compressor 15.

[0042] (Structure of flow path switching valve) Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching valve. The four-way selector valve 18 serving as a flow path switching valve includes a housing 31 . The housing 31 forms the outer contour of the four-way selector valve 18 and houses the gaskets 35 and 36 , the O-ring 34 , and the valve element 60 therein.

[0043] Housing 31 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. Housing 31 is made of a material primarily composed of aluminum, such as an aluminum alloy or pure aluminum. Housing 31 is formed by casting. Specifically, housing 31 is formed by aluminum die-casting. The material of housing 31 is not limited to the materials listed above; other materials such as stainless steel, iron, and copper may also be used.

[0044] The housing 31 includes a housing body 32 and a cover body 33. The housing body 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32a and a circular plate portion 32b. The cylindrical portion 32a and the circular plate portion 32b are formed integrally. The cylindrical portion 32a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The circular plate portion 32b is formed in a circular plate shape, and one end of the cylindrical portion 32a in the direction of the central axis C1 is blocked. Four through holes 31a to 31d are formed in the circular plate portion 32b. These four through holes 31a to 31d respectively constitute a part of the first port (first opening) P1, the second port (second opening) P2, the third port (third opening) P3, and the fourth port (fourth opening) P4. These four through holes 31a to 31d are arranged in a quadrilateral shape.

[0045] In the description of the four-way switching valve 18 of this embodiment, the central axis C1 of the housing 31 (housing body 32) is assumed to be oriented in the vertical direction. In addition, in the housing 31, the disc portion 32b of the housing body 32 is assumed to be located at the upper end.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cover body 33 of the housing 31 blocks the opening at the other end (lower end) of the cylindrical portion 32a of the housing body 32. A circular ring-shaped protrusion 33a is formed in the central portion of the inner surface (upper surface) of the cover body 33. A male thread groove 33b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 33a. On the other hand, a female thread groove 32c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 32a of the housing body 32. The male thread groove 33b of the cover body 33 is screwed into the female thread groove 32c of the housing body 32. As a result, the housing body 32 and the cover body 33 are threadedly connected.

[0047] The four-way reversing valve 18 includes gaskets 35 and 36. The gaskets include a first gasket 35 and a second gasket 36. The first gasket 35 and the second gasket 36 are arranged to sandwich the valve core 60 therebetween and are in contact with the outer surface of the valve core 60, respectively.

[0048] The first gasket 35 is positioned above the valve element 60, and the second gasket 36 is positioned below the valve element 60. The first gasket 35 and the second gasket 36 are formed from a material having an elastic modulus lower than that of the housing 31. The first gasket 35 and the second gasket 36 are elastic members formed from a synthetic resin such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The first gasket 35 and the second gasket 36 support the valve element 60 within the housing 31.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the first gasket 35 includes an outer frame 37 and a central frame 38. The outer frame 37 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The central frame 38 is formed into an X-shape, with each end thereof connected to the inner circumferential surface of the outer frame 37. The central frame 38 divides the inner side of the outer frame 37 into four spaces 35a to 35d. The four spaces 35a to 35d are respectively connected to the four through holes 31a to 31d formed in the circular plate portion 32b of the housing body 32. The four spaces 35a to 35d, together with the four through holes 31a to 31d, respectively, constitute the first port P1, the second port P2, the third port P3, and the fourth port P4. The first port P1, the second port P2, the third port P3, and the fourth port P4 are arranged within the upward projection area of ​​the valve core 60. The first gasket 35 has an elastic coefficient smaller than that of the housing 31 and elastically contacts the valve element 60 , thereby preventing the refrigerant passing through the spaces 35 a to 35 d from leaking from the gap between the valve element 60 and the first gasket 35 .

[0050] One end surface (lower surface) of the first gasket 35 has a contact surface that contacts the outer surface of the valve core 60. This contact surface is spherical. The radius of curvature of the contact surface of the first gasket 35 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the valve core 60. The other end surface (upper surface) of the first gasket 35 is flat and contacts the lower surface of the circular plate portion 32b of the housing body 32.

[0051] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first liner. The center frame 38 of the first gasket 35 is formed so that the width W1 of the lower side (the side facing the valve core 60) is smaller than the width W2 of the upper side (the side facing the circular plate portion 32b). Specifically, the two side surfaces 38a in the width direction of the lower side of the center frame 38 are formed as inclined surfaces that taper downward. This reduces the width W1 of the lower side of the center frame 38. This reduces the area of ​​the contact surface (lower surface) 35e that contacts the outer surface of the valve core 60, thereby reducing the load torque used to rotate the valve core 60. Therefore, a drive unit with a smaller output can be used as the drive unit 64 described later.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second gasket 36 is formed into a roughly circular plate shape. One end surface (upper surface) of the second gasket 36 has a contact surface that contacts the outer surface of the valve core 60. The contact surface is formed into a spherical shape. The radius of curvature of the contact surface of the second gasket 36 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the valve core 60. The other end surface (lower surface) of the second gasket 36 is formed flat and is arranged on the upper side of the cover body 33. A through hole 36a is formed in the center of the second gasket 36. A portion of the valve core 60 that contacts the second gasket 36 protrudes from the through hole 36a.

[0053] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the valve core. The four-way selector valve 18 includes a valve element 60 . The valve element 60 is spherical and rotates about a predetermined rotation axis C2 . The rotation axis C2 passes through the center of the valve element 60 and is perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the housing 31 .

[0054] The outer surface of the valve core 60 is formed with a plurality of recesses 61 and 62 for switching the refrigerant flow path. Each recess 61 and 62 is formed by recessing the outer surface of the valve core 60, and itself also constitutes the refrigerant flow path. The plurality of recesses 61 and 62 include a first recess 61 and a second recess 62. The first recess 61 Figure 1 The first port P1 is shown connected to the second port P2 or the third port P3. The second recess 62 connects the fourth port P4 to the second port P2 or the third port P3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the valve core 60 is formed with two first recesses 61A and 61B and two second recesses 62A and 62B, for a total of four recesses. Each of the four recesses 61A, 61B, 62A, and 62B is formed in a generally oblong shape. The first recess 61A and the second recess 62A are arranged approximately parallel to each other. The first recess 61A and the second recess 62A extend in a direction generally parallel to the rotation axis C2.

[0056] The first recess 61B and the second recess 62B are arranged approximately parallel to each other. They extend approximately parallel to an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis C2. Therefore, the first recess 61A and the second recess 62A on one side are positioned 90° out of phase with the first recess 61B and the second recess 62B on the other side around the rotation axis C2. Details of the refrigerant flow path switching performed by the first and second recesses 61, 62 will be described later.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the four-way selector valve 18 includes a drive unit 64, a speed reduction unit 65, and an output shaft 66. The drive unit 64 generates rotational power for rotating the valve element 60. The drive unit 64 of this embodiment is composed of an electric motor. The drive unit 64 outputs power to the speed reduction unit 65.

[0058] The speed reducing unit 65 reduces the speed of the output of the driving unit 64. The speed reducing unit 65 includes gears for reducing the speed of the rotational power generated by the driving unit 64. The output shaft 66 outputs the rotational power generated by the driving unit 64 and decelerated by the deceleration unit 65 and transmits it to the valve element 60. The output shaft 66 is disposed on the rotation axis C2 of the valve element 60. The end of the output shaft 66 is connected to the valve element 60.

[0059] The drive unit 64, the speed reduction unit 65, and the output shaft 66 constitute a drive device for driving the valve element 60. The speed reduction unit 65 reduces the output of the drive unit 64 and transmits it to the valve element 60, thereby increasing the output torque to the valve element 60. Therefore, the output of the drive unit 64 can be reduced, and the drive unit 64 can be miniaturized.

[0060] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a fitting hole 60a is formed on the outer surface of the valve body 60. One end of the output shaft 66 is fitted into the fitting hole. The output shaft 66 is connected to the valve body 60 by a key connection or the like so as to be integrally rotatable.

[0061] The four-way reversing valve 18 includes an O-ring 34. The O-ring 34 is arranged and positioned on the inner periphery of a protrusion 33a formed on the upper surface of the cover body 33. The O-ring 34 is arranged between the cover body 33 of the housing 31 and the second gasket 36. The O-ring 34 is clamped and compressed by the cover body 33 and the second gasket 36. The O-ring 34 acts as a biasing member that applies a force to the second gasket 36 by being compressed. Therefore, for example, even when the first and second gaskets 36 wear due to contact with the valve core 60, the reduction in contact pressure can be suppressed. As a biasing member, a spring such as a leaf spring or a coil spring can be used instead of the O-ring 34.

[0062] When the male thread groove 33b of the cover 33 of the housing 31 is screwed into the female thread groove 32c of the housing body 32, the first and second gaskets 35, 36, and valve core 60 are pressed against each other and tightly adhered. By adjusting the tightening torque of the cover 33 relative to the housing body 32, the pressing force of the valve core 60 against the first gasket 35 can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the housing body 32, the first gasket 35, and the second gasket 36 constitute the housing 25 that accommodates the valve core 60, and the cover 33 constitutes the pressing body that presses the valve core 60 against the first gasket 35. The pressing body (cover 33) constitutes an adjustment portion that adjusts the pressing force between the outer surface of the valve core 60 and the inner surface of the housing 25 (the contact surface of the first gasket 35).

[0063] The tightening torque (tightening amount) of the cover 33 relative to the housing body 32 is appropriately set based on at least one of the amount of refrigerant leakage between the first gasket 35 and the valve core 60, the contact area between the first gasket 35 and the valve core 60, the surface roughness of the first gasket 35, and the elastic modulus of the first gasket 35. The allowable amount of refrigerant leakage between the first gasket 35 and the valve core 60 is determined based on specifications such as the air conditioner's performance. Therefore, the tightening torque of the cover 33 relative to the housing body 32 is set to minimize the amount of leakage. The contact area between the first gasket 35 and the valve core 60, the surface roughness of the first gasket 35, and the elastic modulus affect the load torque required to rotate the valve core 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tightening torque is set based on the performance of the drive unit (such as the output of the drive unit 64 and the reduction ratio of the reduction unit 65), taking into account at least one of the contact area, the surface roughness, and the elastic modulus.

[0064] (Regarding Switching of Flow Path by Valve 60) Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining switching of the refrigerant flow path. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of the refrigerant in the flow path switching valve. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Shown from Figure 3 The state of the first pad 35 is observed along line AA. Figure 8 A state in which the refrigerant flowing in from the first port P1 flows out from the second port P2 is illustrated.

[0065] The valve element 60 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis C2 and changes from the first posture (see Figure 6 ) Switch to the second posture (refer to Figure 7 ). exist Figure 6 In the first posture shown, the first port (first opening) P1 and the second port P2 are connected via the first recess 61A of the valve core 60, and the fourth port (fourth opening) P4 and the third port P3 are connected via the second recess 62A. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the interior of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the first port P1, flows out of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the second port P2, and is delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 21. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the interior of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the third port P3, flows out of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the fourth port P4, and is sucked into the compressor 15. Thus, the air conditioner 10 can perform a heating operation.

[0066] exist Figure 7In the second posture shown, the first port (first opening) P1 and the third port P3 are connected via the first recess 61B of the valve core 60, and the fourth port (fourth opening) P4 and the second port P2 are connected via the second recess 62B. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the interior of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the first port P1, flows out of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the third port P3, and is delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows into the interior of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the second port P2, flows out of the four-way reversing valve 18 from the fourth port P4, and is sucked into the compressor 15. Thus, the air conditioner 10 can perform a cooling operation.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the four-way reversing valve 18 from the first port P1, the high pressure of the refrigerant is applied to a portion of the first recess 61 of the valve core 60, and the rotation of the valve core 60 may become difficult. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing in from the first port P1 is leaked between the outer surface of the valve core 60 and the inner surface of the housing 31, so that the valve core 60 can be rotated as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As indicated by arrow a, the refrigerant pressure is dispersedly applied to the valve core 60, reducing the load torque for rotating the valve core 60. Specifically, a groove 35e is formed on the contact surface of the first gasket 35 around the first port P1 (space 35a) with the valve core 60, connecting the inside and outside of the first port P1. This groove 35e allows refrigerant flowing into the first port P1 to leak between the valve core 60 and the housing 31. Therefore, the groove 35e constitutes a leak portion that allows refrigerant to leak between the valve core 60 and the housing 31 (the housing 25).

[0068] (Assembly method of four-way reversing valve) The four-way selector valve 18 of this embodiment is assembled as follows. First, if Figure 4 As shown, the first gasket 35, the valve core 60, and the second gasket 36 are inserted into the interior from the lower end opening of the housing body 32. Next, the cover 33 with the O-ring 34 attached is screwed to the housing body 32. Next, the output shaft 66 is inserted from the insertion hole 32d formed in the cylindrical portion 32a of the housing body 32 and is fitted into the fitting hole 60a of the valve core 60. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the speed reducing unit 65 and the driving unit 64 are connected to the output shaft 66. By assembling the four-way selector valve 18 as described above, the gaskets 35 and 36 and the valve element 60 in the housing 31 can be easily assembled from one opening of the housing body 32.

[0069] [Second embodiment] Figure 10and Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining switching of refrigerant flow paths in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the structure of the leakage portion formed in the first gasket 35 is different from that in the first embodiment. In the first gasket 35 of the present embodiment, four spaces 35a to 35d having substantially the same through-hole shape as the four through-holes 31a to 31d formed in the housing body 32 are formed, and the first to fourth ports P1 to P4 are formed by these through-holes 31a to 31d and the spaces 35a to 35d. Among them, the first port P1 (through-hole 31a, space 35a) is formed at a position offset to the radial outside of the first gasket 35. Therefore, the range of the first port P1 overlapping with the first recesses 61A and 61B formed in the valve core 60 is further reduced, and on the contrary, the range R (in the range of the first port P1 overlapping with the outer surface of the valve core 60) is reduced. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 With this structure, the refrigerant flowing in from the first port P1 is more likely to leak from the overlapping area R between the first port P1 and the outer surface of the valve core 60, thereby distributing the pressure of the refrigerant to the valve core 60. Therefore, the overlapping area R constitutes a leakage portion that allows the refrigerant to leak between the housing 31 and the valve core 60.

[0070] [Third embodiment] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a valve element of a flow path switching valve according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The direction of the rotation axis C2 of the valve core 60 in this embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the rotation axis C2 of the valve core 60 was oriented orthogonally to the central axis C1 of the housing 31. However, in this embodiment, the rotation axis C2 is arranged concentrically with the central axis C1 of the housing 31. An output shaft 66 is connected to the lower end of the valve core 60.

[0071] The valve element 60 is formed with a first recess 61 and a second recess 62. The first recess 61 and the second recess 62 are formed in a substantially oval shape. The first recess 61 and the second recess 62 are formed to be elongated in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis C2 and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0072] In this embodiment, the valve core 60 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis C2 to switch between the first posture and the second posture. In the first posture, the first recess 61 and the second recess 62 of the valve core 60 become Figure 6 In the state shown, in the second posture, the first concave portion 61 and the second concave portion 62 become Figure 7 Therefore, the refrigerant flow path can be switched by one first recess 61 and one second recess 62. Therefore, the processing of the valve core 60 can be reduced, thereby making it easier to manufacture the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0073] [Fourth embodiment] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including a flow path switching valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve. In this embodiment, the four-way reversing valve 18 is integrally formed with a portion of the refrigerant piping. Here, "integrated" means that multiple elements are made of the same material and joined together in a continuous manner without dividing surfaces. This does not include elements mechanically joined by screws or brazing without melting the parent material.

[0074] like Figure 14 As shown, a first piping portion 41 , a second piping portion 42 , a third piping portion 43 , and a fourth piping portion 44 are integrally formed with the circular plate portion 32 b of the housing body 32 . The first piping section 41 has a linear pipe axis C11. The pipe axis C11 of the first piping section 41 is arranged parallel to the central axis C1 of the housing 31. One end of the first piping section 41 is connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the first piping section 41 is connected to the discharge pipe 71 through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows. The first piping section 41 has a muffler 47 midway in the direction of the pipe axis C11. The muffler 47 suppresses noise caused by pressure pulsation of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15.

[0075] The second piping section 42 has a pipe axis C12 that is bent approximately 90 degrees. One end of the second piping section 42 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 18. The other end of the second piping section 42 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 76 connected to the gas-side shutoff valve 24. The portion of the second piping section 42 connected to the second port P2 is arranged in the vertical direction, while the portion connected to the refrigerant pipe 76 is arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0076] The third piping section 43 has a linear pipe axis C13. The pipe axis C13 of the third piping section 43 is arranged parallel to the pipe axes C11 and C12 of the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42. One end of the third piping section 43 is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the third piping section 43 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 73 connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. In this embodiment, the axial length of the third piping section 43 is shorter than the axial length of the first piping section 41.

[0077] The fourth piping section 44 has a linear pipe axis C14. The pipe axis C14 of the fourth piping section 44 is arranged parallel to the pipe axes C11 and C13 of the first piping section 41 and the third piping section 43. One end of the fourth piping section 44 is connected to the fourth port P4 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the fourth piping section 44 is connected to the suction pipe 72 through which refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 15. The axial length of the fourth piping section 44 is substantially the same as the axial length of the third piping section 43.

[0078] The fourth piping section 44 has a branching portion 44a midway along the pipe axial direction, which branches in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axial direction. This branching portion 44a serves to merge refrigerant drawn into the compressor 15 from ports other than the fourth port P4 of the four-way reversing valve 18. This branching portion 44a is closed with a cap or the like when not in use.

[0079] The first piping section 41 and the fourth piping section 44 are connected by a connecting portion 48. The connecting portion 48 is formed in a plate shape. The connecting portion 48 is provided over the entire length of the fourth piping section 44 in the pipe axial direction. Although not shown, the first piping section 41 and at least one of the second piping section 42 and the third piping section 43 may be connected by a plate-shaped connecting portion, and the fourth piping section 44 and at least one of the second piping section 42 and the third piping section 43 may also be connected by a plate-shaped connecting portion.

[0080] The fifth piping section 45 has a linear pipe axis C15. The pipe axis C15 of the fifth piping section 45 is arranged parallel to the pipe axes C11, C13, and C14 of the first piping section 41, the third piping section 43, and the fourth piping section 44. The end or middle portion of the fifth piping section 45 in the pipe axis direction is connected to the housing 31 of the four-way reversing valve 18. One end of the fifth piping section 45 is directly connected to one end of the expansion valve 17. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 74 connected to the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The other end of the fifth piping section 45 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 75 connected to the liquid side stop valve 23. Therefore, the fifth piping section 45 is not connected to the port of the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0081] In the four-way reversing valve 18 of this embodiment, Figure 12 The valve element 60 is shown in FIG. An output shaft 66 connected to the lower portion of the valve element 60 protrudes downward from the cover 33 of the housing 31 . The output shaft 66 is connected to the speed reduction unit 65 , and the speed reduction unit 65 is connected to the driving unit 64 .

[0082] In the present embodiment, the housing body 32 of the four-way selector valve 18 is integrally formed with the plurality of piping portions 41 to 45 . This improves the overall bending rigidity and suppresses deformation caused by vibration from the compressor 15 .

[0083] In this embodiment, the plurality of piping sections 41 to 45 are integrally formed and centrally located in one location. Therefore, the refrigerant piping 71 to 76 connected to the four-way reversing valve 18, the valve 17, and the like can be compactly arranged, enabling efficient piping within the limited space within the outdoor unit 11.

[0084] Furthermore, in the four-way reversing valve 18 of this embodiment, the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 extend from the housing 31 in the same direction, specifically, upward. Therefore, the refrigerant piping 71 to 73, 76 can be easily connected to the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 from the same side (the upper side). Furthermore, since the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 are collectively arranged on the upper surface of the housing 31, there is no need to connect the refrigerant piping 71 to 73, 76 to the lower surface of the housing 31. Consequently, the four-way reversing valve 18 can be positioned as low as possible, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the placement of the four-way reversing valve 18 within the outdoor unit 11.

[0085] In this embodiment, the drive unit 64 that rotates the valve element 60 is located on the lower side of the housing 31, on the opposite side from the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44. This prevents the drive unit 64 from becoming an obstruction when connecting the refrigerant pipes 71 to 73, 76 to the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44. Furthermore, by placing the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 on one side (the upper side) of the housing 31 in the vertical direction and the drive unit 64 on the other side (the lower side) of the housing 31 in the vertical direction, the horizontal installation space for the four-way reversing valve 18 can be reduced.

[0086] In the four-way selector valve 18 of this embodiment, the first piping section 41 and the fourth piping section 44 are integrally formed via a connecting portion 48. Consequently, compared to a case where the first piping section 41 and the fourth piping section 44 are separate, the cross-sectional area and the second moment of area of ​​the sections perpendicular to the pipe axes C11 and C14 are increased. This improves the bending stiffness of the first piping section 41 and the fourth piping section 44, resulting in a structure that is less susceptible to deformation.

[0087] In the outdoor unit 11 having a compressor 15, the vibration form (vibration mode) is analyzed, including the extent of vibration from the compressor 15 and how it is transmitted. The length and path of the piping connected to the compressor 15 are then designed to suppress the transmission of this vibration. In this embodiment, the first piping portion 41, the fourth piping portion 44, and the connecting portion 48 are integrally formed to increase bending rigidity, thereby suppressing deformation associated with the vibration of the compressor 15. Consequently, changes in the relative position of the refrigerant piping 71 and 72 from the compressor 15 connected to the four-way reversing valve 18 are also suppressed. This facilitates vibration analysis and design for vibration suppression.

[0088] [Fifth embodiment] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of a valve element of a flow path switching valve according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve core 60 of this embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape rather than a spherical shape. The valve core 60 rotates with the center of the cylinder as the rotation axis C2. An output shaft 66 is connected to one end of the valve core 60 in the direction of the rotation axis C2. As in the first embodiment, two first recesses 61A and 61B and two second recesses 62A and 62B are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve core 60. The valve core 60 of this embodiment switches the flow path by rotating 90 degrees around the rotation axis C2.

[0089] [Other embodiments] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 15 In the illustrated valve element 60 , the first and second recesses 61A and 62A are arranged 90° out of phase with the first and second recesses 61B and 62B around the rotation axis C2 , but may be arranged with a phase shift within a range of 90° to 180°.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the shell body 32 and the gaskets 35 and 36 of the shell 31 constitute the storage body 25, and the cover body 33 of the shell 31 constitutes the pressing body (adjustment part 26), but it can also be that the shell body 32, the gaskets 35 and 36 and the cover body 33 constitute the storage body 25, and further include a pressing body such as a bolt threadedly connected to the cover body 33.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the central axis C1 of the housing 31 is arranged to face the vertical direction, but the central axis C1 may be arranged to face other directions other than the vertical direction, such as the horizontal direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In addition, when the central axis C1 is arranged to face the vertical direction, the first to fourth ports P1 to P4 may also face downward. In this case, the fourth embodiment (see Figure 14 ) The first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44 of the four-way selector valve 18 extend downward from the housing 31.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the housing 31 of the flow path switching valve 18 is formed into a cylindrical shape, but it can also be formed into a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped. In this case, the internal space of the housing 31 can be formed into the same cylindrical shape as in the above embodiment, or it can be formed into a square cylinder.

[0093] While the flow path switching valve in the above embodiment is a four-way reversing valve, the flow path switching valve of the present disclosure may also be a three-way reversing valve. In this case, for example, the fourth port and second recess of the above embodiment can be omitted. Furthermore, the flow path switching valve can block the refrigerant flow path by using the portion of the valve core's outer surface where no recess is formed to block the first to fourth ports P1 to P4.

[0094] [Effects of the embodiment] (1) The flow path switching valve 18 disclosed in the present invention includes: a storage body 25 having a hollow portion inside; and a valve core 60, wherein the valve core 60 is stored in the hollow portion in a freely rotatable manner and switches to a first posture and a second posture by a rotation operation, and a first opening P1, a second opening P2 and a third opening P3 that connect the hollow portion with the outside of the storage body 25 are formed in the storage body 25, and first recesses 61, 61A, 61B are formed on the outer surface of the valve core 60, and the first recesses 61, 61A, 61B connect the first opening P1 with the second opening P2 in the first posture, and connect the first opening P1 with the third opening P3 in the second posture.

[0095] According to the above structure, in the valve core 60 of the flow path switching valve 18, no through hole is formed as a flow path, but only recessed portions 61, 61A, and 61B formed by recessing the outer surface are formed. Therefore, the flow path of the refrigerant can be simplified and the valve core 60 can be easily processed.

[0096] (2) On the basis of the flow path switching valve of (1), the first opening P1 allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 of the refrigerant circuit 30 to flow into the storage body 25, and the leakage part 35e, R is formed in the storage body 25, and the leakage part 35e, R allows the refrigerant flowing in from the first opening P1 to leak between the inner surface of the storage body 25 and the outer surface of the valve core 60.

[0097] With this configuration, the pressure of the refrigerant leaking from the leaking portion can be dispersedly applied to the entire valve element 60. Therefore, compared with a case where the refrigerant pressure is concentrated on a specific portion of the valve element 60, the load torque for rotating the valve element can be reduced.

[0098] (3) Based on the flow path switching valve of (1) or (2), the flow path switching valve further includes a regulating portion 26, which regulates the pressing force of the outer surface of the valve core 60 against the inner surface of the storage body 25 around the first to third openings P3.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the load torque for rotating the valve element 60 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0100] (4) In the flow path switching valve of (3), the adjustment portion 26 includes a pressing body 33 , and the pressing body 33 presses the valve element 60 toward the inner surface of the housing 25 by being screwed into the housing 25 .

[0101] According to the above configuration, the pressing force of the valve element 60 against the inner surface of the housing 25 can be easily adjusted by screwing the pressing body 33 into the housing 25 .

[0102] (5) On the basis of the flow path switching valve described in any one of (1) to (4), a fourth opening P4 is formed in the storage body 25, and the fourth opening P4 connects the hollow portion with the outside of the storage body 25, and a second recess 62, 62A, 62B is formed on the outer surface of the valve core 60, and the second recess 62, 62A, 62B connects the third opening P3 with the fourth opening P4 in the first posture, and connects the second opening P2 with the fourth opening P4 in the second posture.

[0103] According to the above configuration, also in the flow path switching valve 18 in which the first to fourth openings P1 to P4 are formed, the flow path of the refrigerant can be simplified and the processing of the valve element 60 can be facilitated.

[0104] (6) In the flow path switching valve of (5), the first to fourth openings P1 , P2 , P3 , and P4 are arranged within a projection area of ​​the valve element 60 in one direction.

[0105] According to the above configuration, the first to fourth openings P1 to P4 are concentrated in a small area. Therefore, the first recess 61 and the second recess 62 of the valve body connecting them can be made smaller, thereby making it easier to process the valve body 60.

[0106] (7) On the basis of the flow path switching valve of (5) or (6), the first recess 61A that connects the first opening P1 with the second opening P2 in the first posture and the first recess 61B that connects the first opening P1 with the third opening P3 in the second posture are separately formed on the valve core 60, and the second recess 62A that connects the third opening P3 with the fourth opening P4 in the first posture and the second recess 62B that connects the second opening P2 with the fourth opening P4 in the second posture are separately formed on the valve core 60.

[0107] According to this configuration, the four openings P1 to P4 can be connected in a switchable manner using the two first recessed portions 61A, 61B and the two second recessed portions 62A, 62B.

[0108] (8) On the basis of the flow path switching valve of (7), the first recess 61A on the side that connects the first opening P1 with the second opening P2 in the first posture and the second recess 62A on the side that connects the third opening P3 with the fourth opening P4 are formed longer in directions parallel to each other, and the first recess 61B on the other side that connects the first opening P1 with the third opening P3 in the second posture and the second recess 62B on the other side that connects the second opening P2 with the fourth opening P4 are parallel to each other and formed longer in a direction orthogonal to the first recess 61A on one side and the second recess 62A on one side.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the two first recesses 61A and 61B and the two second recesses 62A and 62B can be formed within a relatively small area of ​​the surface of the valve body 60 , thereby reducing the rotation angle of the valve body for switching the flow path.

[0110] (9) The flow path switching valve described in any one of (5) to (8) includes: a first piping portion 41, one end of which is connected to a discharge piping 71 for the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 of the refrigerant circuit 30, and the other end of which is communicated with the first opening P1; a second piping portion 42, one end of which is connected to a refrigerant piping 76 for the flow of refrigerant to the first heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger) 21 of the refrigerant circuit 30, and the other end of which is communicated with the second opening P2; Three piping sections 43, one end of the third piping section 43 is connected to the refrigerant piping 73 for supplying refrigerant to the second heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger) 16 of the refrigerant circuit 30, and the other end is connected to the third opening P3; and a fourth piping section 44, one end of the fourth piping section 44 is connected to the suction pipe 72 for supplying refrigerant sucked into the compressor 15, and the other end is connected to the fourth opening P4. The first to fourth piping sections 41, 42, 43, and 44 are formed integrally with the storage body 25.

[0111] According to the above structure, by integrally forming the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 in the housing 25 of the flow path switching valve 18 , the connection operation of the refrigerant piping 71 to 73 and 76 to the piping sections 41 to 44 can be simplified, thereby improving the assembly workability of the refrigerant circuit 30 .

[0112] (10) The flow path switching valve described in any one of (1) to (9) preferably further includes: a driving unit 64 that generates a rotational power for rotating the valve core 60; and a speed reduction unit 65 that reduces the rotational power of the driving unit 64.

[0113] With the above configuration, the output torque to the valve element 60 can be increased by the deceleration unit 65. Therefore, even when the valve element 60 is strongly pressed against the inner surface of the housing 25, for example to prevent leakage of high-pressure refrigerant, the valve element 60 can be rotated. The increase in the output torque to the valve element 60 by the deceleration unit 65 allows the output of the driver 64 to be correspondingly reduced, leading to a reduction in size of the driver 64.

[0114] (11) Based on the flow path switching valve 18 described in any one of (1) to (10), it is preferred that the storage body 25 has an elastic member (first gasket) 35 that forms the openings P1, P2, P3, and P4 and contacts the outer surface of the valve core 60.

[0115] According to the above configuration, the elastic member 35 can be brought into elastic close contact with the outer surface of the valve element 60 , thereby suppressing leakage of the refrigerant.

[0116] Although the embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Explanation of symbols

[0117] 15 compressor; 16 outdoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger); 18. Four-way reversing valve (flow path switching valve); 21 indoor heat exchanger (first heat exchanger); 25 storage body; 26 Regulation Department; 30 refrigerant circuit; 33 cover body (pressing body); 35 first pad (elastic member); 35e groove (leakage part); 41 first piping section; 42 second piping section; 43 third piping section; 44 fourth piping section; P1 first port (first opening); P2 second port (second opening); P3 third port (third opening); P4 Fourth port (fourth opening).

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, characterized in that: include: A storage body (25) having a hollow portion therein; as well as A valve core (60) is housed in the hollow portion in a freely rotatable manner and is switched between a first posture and a second posture by a rotation operation. A first opening (P1), a second opening (P2), and a third opening (P3) communicating between the hollow portion and the outside of the storage body (25) are formed in the storage body (25). A first recess (61, 61A, 61B) is formed on the outer surface of the valve core (60), and the first recess connects the first opening (P1) and the second opening (P2) in the first posture, and connects the first opening (P1) and the third opening (P3) in the second posture.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first opening (P1) allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30) to flow into the storage body (25). A leakage portion (35e, R) is formed in the storage body (25), and the leakage portion causes the refrigerant flowing in from the first opening (P1) to leak between the inner surface of the storage body (25) and the outer surface of the valve core (60).

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow path switching valve further includes a regulating portion (26) for regulating the pressing force of the outer surface of the valve core (60) against the inner surface of the housing (25) around the first to third openings (P3).

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The regulating portion (26) has a pressing body (33) that presses the valve core (60) toward the inner surface of the storage body (25) by being threadedly coupled to the storage body (25).

5. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A fourth opening (P4) is formed in the storage body (25), and the fourth opening connects the hollow portion with the outside of the storage body (25). A second recess (62, 62A, 62B) is formed on the outer surface of the valve core (60), and the second recess connects the third opening (P3) and the fourth opening (P4) in the first posture, and connects the second opening (P2) and the fourth opening (P4) in the second posture.

6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first to fourth openings (P1, P2, P3, P4) are arranged within a projection area of ​​the valve core (60) in one direction.

7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The first recess (61A) for communicating the first opening (P1) with the second opening (P2) in the first posture and the first recess (61B) for communicating the first opening (P1) with the third opening (P3) in the second posture are separately formed in the valve element (60). The second recess (62A) for communicating the third opening (P3) with the fourth opening (P4) in the first posture and the second recess (62B) for communicating the second opening (P2) with the fourth opening (P4) in the second posture are separately formed in the valve core (60).

8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the first posture, the first recess (61A) that connects the first opening (P1) and the second opening (P2) and the second recess (62A) that connects the third opening (P3) and the fourth opening (P4) are formed parallel to each other and are long. In the second posture, the first recess (61B) on the other side connecting the first opening (P1) with the third opening (P3) and the second recess (62B) on the other side connecting the second opening (P2) with the fourth opening (P4) are parallel to each other and are formed longer in a direction orthogonal to the first recess (61A) on one side and the second recess (62A) on one side.

9. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: include: a first piping portion (41), one end of which is connected to a discharge pipe (71) through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor (16) of a refrigerant circuit (30) flows, and the other end of which is in communication with the first opening (P1); a second piping portion (42), one end of which is connected to a refrigerant pipe (76) for supplying refrigerant to the first heat exchanger (21) of the refrigerant circuit (30), and the other end of which is in communication with the second opening (P2); a third piping portion (43), one end of which is connected to a refrigerant pipe (73) for supplying refrigerant to the second heat exchanger (16) of the refrigerant circuit (30), and the other end of which is in communication with the third opening (P3); as well as a fourth piping portion (44), one end of which is connected to the suction pipe (72) for the flow of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor (15), and the other end of which is in communication with the fourth opening (P4); The first to fourth piping portions (41, 42, 43, 44) are formed integrally with the storage body (25).

10. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The flow path switching valve further includes a driving unit (64) that generates a rotational power for rotating the valve core (60) and a speed reduction unit (65) that reduces the speed of the rotational power of the driving unit (64).

11. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The storage body (25) has an elastic member (35) which forms the openings (P1, P2, P3, P4) and contacts the outer surface of the valve core (60).

12. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that: The refrigeration cycle device includes the flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images